Constantine's Cave

The cave sits on the Fife coast just outside Anstruther, accessible via a coastal walk that's genuinely worth doing even if you don't make it all the way inside. You're looking at a natural sea cave that's been home to hermits and saints - Constantine, a Pictish missionary, supposedly lived here in the 6th century, though honestly the actual history gets a bit hazy depending on who you ask.

What you actually get is a proper cave mouth with enough space to walk into, especially when the tide's out. The rocky approach is slippery and uneven - not treacherous exactly, but you'll need decent shoes and a bit of caution. The cave itself doesn't go deep, and there's not much to see inside beyond rock walls and whatever the sea's left behind. It's the journey that makes it worthwhile rather than the destination.

History buffs will find the religious connection interesting, even if there's precious little evidence on the ground. Kids will enjoy the scramble and the sense of exploration, though they'll probably be bored after fifteen minutes. Walkers should definitely include it as part of a longer coastal route - the cliffs around Anstruther are cracking, and you can link this with a visit to the Scottish Fisheries Museum in town.

Access is free and unrestricted, though you're entirely dependent on the tides. Go on the approach rather than the high tide, obviously. Allow about an hour return from Anstruther town centre. If you're staying at Sauchope Links or Off the Track, you're barely two miles away, making it an easy morning sortie.